Here’s Why You Need Chickpea Flour in Your Kitchen

Have you discovered the wonders of chickpea flour? It may not sound like much, but once you start using it, you’ll realize what a difference it can make to your nutrition. The odds are that you’re already well aware of how chickpeas, themselves, can amp up your salads and snacks.

Sprinkled onto salads, they add a nuttiness, awesome texture and tons of fiber. Pureed into a hummus, they provide a rich and creamy dip that will make you fall in love with veggies again. Roast them in the oven with your favorite spices and you have a delicious crispy snack. That said, chickpea flour is only just taking its first steps into popularity.

Why Chickpea Flour?

If you’re already happy with the recipes you’re eating, you may be wondering why chickpea flour should matter to you. The answer is simple. It’s delicious and a great way to boost the nutrition in many recipes you’re already eating.

Chickpea flour helps you to boost the fiber and protein in your recipes. Use it as an alternative to meat in many meals. Alternately, mix it with meat so that you can reduce the amount of meat you’re eating without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Just one quarter cup of chickpea flour contains only 110 calories, but comes with 5 grams of flour, 6 grams of protein and ten percent of your daily recommended iron intake. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerances and sensitivities, you don’t need to worry because it is completely gluten-free.

What Does it Taste Like?

Chickpea flour is dense, with a chewy texture and a rich, warm and slightly nutty flavor. It is easy to find online or in many health food stores. That said, it’s also possible to make your own if you pop some dried chickpeas into your blender.

This alternative flour is great for both sweet and savory recipes. That said, it’s important to point out that the density of this flour means that it isn’t a great option for baked recipes that are supposed to rise and become fluffy, like most breads and many cakes. Still, even if you can’t use it exclusively for your favorite cupcake recipe, you can still mix it in to replace some of the other flours you’re using. That said, for pizza crust and crackers are perfect when made with chickpea flour alone.